St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1887-01-31
LOVE CONQUERED.
A Disappointed Suitor,s Timely Gem
erOsisV.

LOVE CONQUERED.
A Disappointed Suitor's Timely Gem
erOsitY.
Mark Sherwood, the banker, sat alone in
his counting-roOm, with a troubled look
upon his brow. He was sick at heart,
weary and detected. and no wonder, for
during months past bankruptcy and dis
grace had been staring him in the face.
Above all he was miserable when he re-
fiected that he had still to reveal his poverty
to his motferless daughter, Grace-she
whose llghteSt wish had never remained I'M
grained. How would she bear up under
the blow? But the truth must be told, and
with heavy heart Mark Sherwood muff1ed
himself in his cloak and bent his steps
homeward.
Suddenly, however he bethought himself
that there was to be social gathering that
night at the mansion of Paul Ashley, a
magnate in commercial circles, and an eli
gibie .parti, i'll matrimonial point of view,
and when he remembered how courted and
battered Grace was at similar assemblages,
he was unwilling that she should carry
sore spot in her heart through il all. and so
he resolved to defer the revelation of his
poverty until the morning.
Later that evening. Grace Sherwood, sur
rounded by a throng of admirers, held sway
over them right regally. and little dreamed
OF the pitfall yawning beneath her feet.
First in her train of followers was the
host of the evening himself. An elderly.
sOlemn-looking man, this Paul Ashley, with
fiabby, wrinkled face and small, keen
eyes. He was short and obese i'll figure,
and martyr to the govt, but, on the other
hand, he was rich beyond account.
At little distance watching Grace Sher
wood aSkance, was younger and more Gull
tivated man. He was handsome, well-bred,
thosoughly Self-posSessed and giftep with a
rich. elegant voice, but beyond his expecta-
ton from his uncle-his name was Mortimer
Ashley; and he was Paul Ashlevs nephew
he was poor.
1nvoluntarily the bankers eye wandered
to where Paul Ashley and his daughter were
promendading, and his glance lighted with
CLEAN of triumph. The young man be-
held the look and deep frown settled on
his face.
"Faithless and fickle," muttered Morti-
mer Ashley, turning upon his heel and
striding away, full of disappointment and
bitterness.
Grace kept her room long in the forenoon
on the morrow. Paul Ashley had been
cioseted with her father long before she had
awakened. and after that interview the
bankers face wore bright look-for a
newly defined hope had been aroused in his
breast.
He came to her little before sunset, as
she was standing pensively by western
window.
Grace, my child" he said. Il have
something important to say to YOU"
In few minutes he revealed it all.
MY darling" he concluded. Il grieve
most for your sake that l am unable to eN-
tricate myself from the ruin that threatens
me-there is but one hope for you left"
She did not ask him what it was. Her
heart leaped at the thought of this great
loss, but she remained silent.
The banker did not say that Paul Ashley
had promised him sufficient means to carry
him safely over the crisis provided he could
obtain the hand of his daughter
''He has asked my permission to wait upon
mission to propose and you should be sensi-
BILE aud marry him if he asks you. Let me
congratulate you tomorrow as the affianced
briGic IF Paul Ashley"
Grace's heart sank within her bosom.
What was her duty? II she could save her
father by rich marriage was she bound to
dc so? And Mortimer Ashley-at the bare
thought of him she put the temptation
resolutely away from her.
1t was well for Mortimer Ashley that he
came to her that night or her decision
might have been adverse to him. But as
he took her hand in his, and, drawing her
to him, looked into her lustrous eyes, she
knew that his love was dearer to. her than
all the riches or luxury in the wide world
dearer than life itself.
''Gracie,' he said, 'you will not accept
another's love?"
mo, Mortimer" she whispered. 81 can
not give you up"
Their eyes met and Mortimer bent down
and kissed her.
Leave me now. darling" she said, after
a pause. Your uncle Paul will be here
shortly. 1t will be easier for me to give
him an answer now"
Presently Paul Ashley was ushered in,
eager to know his fate.
Miss Sherwood will you marry me?" he
asked.
mo, Mr.. Ashley" was all she said.
She arose to leave his presence, knowing
it would be best to say no more. but the
swinging gas jet came i'll contact with the
light fabric of her sleeve and in a moment
her dress was in blaze.
Suddenly she found herself clasped in a
mans strong arms, and, unconsciously
closing her eyes, she thought that Paul
Ashley had crushed out the flames.
But locking up she was transfixed with
mute surprise. 1t was not Paul Ashley
who was holding her crushed to his breast.
but Mortimer, who with that dark, splendid
face close to her. was looking into her eyes
passionately. She threw her arms about his
neck, and drawing him closer to her. COW
60
Grace | was near carrying your hand
kerchef away with me-" he said, in ex-
PLANTATION. Il little dreamed that I was
destined again to be OF service to YOU
The elderly man, grave and silent, stand
ing before them saw it all now and quietly
withdrew.
The next day Mark Sherwood was sur
prised by visit from Paul Ashley.
Mr. Sherwood" he said, abruptly, 81
wish to be released from the engagement l
entered into with you. ] shall never
marry"
Mark Sherwood sighed.
Il am ruined man." he said.
II did not see all this plainly before.
Mortimer has my consent to marry. Is
your daughter free to wed him? If so she
will not be a dowerless bride. You will
lose nothing by this turn of affairs, for
shall enable my nephew to eXtrlcate you
from your present embarrassments. There
is no more to be said oil the subject"
And Paul Ashley put on his hat, bowed
stiffly and went his way.
Tears of relief and joy sprang to Mark
Sherwood's eyes, for now lie knew that he
could greet his daughter Grace with a
happy heart.
With lightened spirits the banker has
ANOTHER /